Apparatus for transporting textile goods or the like

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for transporting stockings or other textile goods from one or more textile machines to a series of receptacles at a collecting station comprises a motor which indexes the receptacles into registry with the discharge end of a pneumatic duct which communicates with feed conduits each of which can receive goods from one output of a corresponding machine and is normally sealed by a one-way valve. Injectors cooperate with the feed conduits to admit into such conduits compressed air which can cause opening of one-way valves and delivery of goods from the corresponding machines into the duct for transfer into a selected receptacle. The pressure of air in the duct is less than the pressure of air which is admitted by the injectors. The injectors can be grouped, and their operation is regulated by a single control unit which also regulates the operation of the indexing motor for the receptacles.

O United States Patent [1113,574,409

[ Inventor Joaghlm Furstwberg 3,129,979 4/1964 Hartshom 3o2/2 Esslmgen,Gem! 3,207,559 9/1965 Poteat et al. 302/27' $1 25- $2 5 1968 3,409,33211/1968 Jones et al. 302/27 P 2 3,426,552 2/1969 Baird 302/2X 1 PatitmedAPP-13,1971 3,453,028 7/1969 Foreman 302/27 [73] Assignee LTGLulttechmsche Gesellschaft Mit Beschmkter Hammg Primary ExammerM1ltonBuchler Stuttgart, Zuffenhausen Germany Assistant Examiner--John J.McLaughlln 32 Priority Sept. 22 19 7 Attorney-Michael S. Striker [33]Germany [31] P 15 56 604's ABSTRACT: Apparatus for transportingstockings or other textile goods from one or more textile machines to aseries of receptacles at a collecting station comprises a motor which 54APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING TEXTILE indexes the receptacles into registrywith the discharge end of GOODS OR THE LIKE a pneumatic duct whichcommunicates with feed conduits 18 Cl i N D i each of which can receivegoods from one output of a U S Cl 302,2 corresponding machine and isnormally sealed by a one-way u I n e e 6 e s n a s e l e u e a e e c v 6l e s e e 6 e a e I e s u s u e u Int Cl 4 such conduits compressed airwhich can cause opening of one- [so] Fieid o} 305/2 27 Way valves anddelivery f goods f m the corresponding seal c 6 I machines into the ductfor transfer into a selected receptacle.

nqulred) The pressure of air in the duct is less than the pressure ofair [56] References Cited which (is adniited by the injectorsl.Tld'iebinjectorls can be groupe an t eir o eration is regu ate y a singe contro UNITED STATES PATENTS unit which also regul tes the operationof the indexing motor 2,994,561 8/1961 Kelley 302/27X for thereceptacles,

PATENIED APR 1 3 I371 sumsors FIG.8

I Inventor: TMq/m Ffiksrsm/se/w M MW M APPARATUS FOR TRANsPoRrrNo 'rsxmsGOODS I THE urn:

BACKGROUND or THE INVENTION SUMMARY or THE INVENTION One of the objectsof my invention is to provide an apparatus which can transport theoutput of one or more producing machines .to one or more receivingstations, for example, to worktables or benches in textile-manufacturingplants.

Another object of the invention is to provide a conveying apparatuswhich can transport sensitive textile goods, particularly stockings, insuch a way that the goods are automatically assembled or collectedaccording to size and/or other characteristics.

A further object of the invention is to provide a versatile conveyingapparatus which can be rapidly and readily converted for transport ofdifferent classes of goods, for transport of goods from a desired numberof producing machines to one or more receiving stations, and formanually controlled, semiautomatic or fully automatic operation.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a conveyingapparatus wherein the goods are treated gently and wherein the goods canbe transported at several speeds, along shorter or longer paths and inany desired sequence or in some case simultaneously.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a conveyingapparatus which comprises a relatively small number of simple parts andwherein all of the goods, regardless of their origin, can be transportedalong a single path even if such goods are to be classified according tosize, shape, color and/or other characteristics.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which canbe supervised by semiskilled or unskilled personnel,

' which can be converted for transport of different types of goods toone or more destinations in a single and time-saving manner, and whereinthe conversion can be carried out by resorting to mass-produced parts.

One feature of the present invention resides in the provision of anapparatus for transporting goods, particularly for transportingstockings or like sensitive textile goods by means of air. In one of itspresently preferred forms, the apparatus comprises a plurality ofloading units each of which is associated with an output of a textilemachine and can accumulate and store a supply or batch of goods, aplurality of receptacles or analogous receiving means remote from theloading units, pneumatic duct means having a discharge end which candeliver goods to a selected receiving means, feed conduits connectingthe loading units with the duct means, intercepting means preferablyincluding suitable one-way valves associated with the feed conduits andoperative to respectively pennit or prevent the transfer of goods fromthe corresponding loading units into the duct means, and control meanspreferably including an electric circuit arrangement and having selectormeans for effecting operation of selected intercepting means as well asshifting means for effecting delivery of goods from the duct means intoselected receiving means.

The selector means of the control means is preferably designed to effectoperation of groups of intercepting means while the duct means deliversgoods to a selected receiving means, i.e., the operation of each groupof intercepting means can result in the delivery of goods from selectedloading units into a'predetermined receiving means. Each such group mayinclude one or more'interceptin'g'means. Thes'hifting means ispreferably designed to eifect delivery'of goods from the duct means intoa different receiving'meansin automatic response .to completion ofoperation of a preceding group of intercepting means and priorto'ope'ra'tion of the next group of intercepting means in a sense toadmit goods from the corresponding loading units into the duct means.

The control means preferably further comprises switching means which iscontrolled by an operating means and can bring about opening ofintercepting means in a desired and preferably changeable sequence. Suchswitching means may comprise a plurality of master switches (preferablymicroswitches) each of which is associated with one of the interceptingmeans, and the switching means further comprises cams or analogous meansfor cyclically actuating the master switches.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of theinvention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. Theimproved transporting apparatus itself, however, both as to itsconstruction and its mode of operation, together with additionalfeatures and advantages thereof, will be best understood upon perusal ofthe following detailed description of certain specific embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic top plan viewof a transporting apparatus which embodies one form of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional view as seen in thedirection of arrows from the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a similar fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view of asecond transporting apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of a third transporting apparatus;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view of a one-way valve whichcan be utilized as one of the intercepting means in the transportingapparatus;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary top plan view of a fourth transportingapparatus;

FIG. 7 (composed of FIGS. 7a and 7b is a diagram showing details of thecontrol means in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of a fifth apparatus;and

FIG. 9 is a similar sectional view but showing certain parts of thefifth apparatus in different positions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The apparatus which isillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is employed to transport textile goods(e.g., stockings) from a battery of textile machines 4 to a collecting,receiving or sorting station 7 which accommodates a receiving unit 5here shown as including a turntable or carousel 24 with severalequidistant receptacles or receiving means 26 for textile goods. Eachtextile machine 4 discharges its output into one of a series of loadingor charging units 1 and each such loading unit l comprises a magazine orhopper 2 constituting the inlet of a pneumatic feed conduit 3 whoseoutlet is connected to a main transporting conduit or duct 9. A source 6of compressed air (e.g., a suitable air compressor or blower) isinstalled at one end of the duct 9 to produce an airstream which travelsin the direction indicated by arrow. A second source 10 of compressedair (e.g., a second blower) is connected to one end of an elongatedcontrol conduit or pipe 11 the other end of which is closed, as at 13.The pipe 11 serves to supply compressed air to injectors 12 each ofwhich is associated with one of the feed conduits 3. Each injector 12comprises an injector conduit 14 of constant cross section whichbranches from the pipe 11 and discharges at 22 into the correspondingfeed conduit 3 upstream of an intercepting mearm here shown as a one-wayflap valve 23. Each injector conduit 14 contains a shutoff valve 15. Thevalves 15 are operated by a control unit 16 which will be fullydescribed in connection with FIGS. 70 and 7b. The outlets 22 of injectorconduits 14 make an acute angle with adjoining portions of therespective feed conduits 3 (see FIG. 2). Each one-way valve 23 comprisesa pivotable flap 17 which opens in response to increasing fluid pressurein the upstream portion of the corresponding feed conduit 3 and closesautomatically when the pressure in the upstream portion of such feedconduit decreases below the pressure in the duct 9. The valves 23 areinstalled in straight horizontal portions of the respective feedconduits 3, and the discharge end of each feed conduit makes an acuteangle with the adjoining portion of the duct 9. As shown in FIG. 2, thevalves 23 are closely adjacent to the discharge ends of their feedconduits 3. The pressure of air in the pipe 11 exceeds the pressure ofair in the duct 9 so that the flaps l7 openautomatically in response toopening of the respective shutoff valves 15. The pressure of air in theduct 9 depends on the desired speed at which the goods are to beconveyed to the receiving station 7. The pressure in the control pipe 11is selected in such a way that, when a valve 15 is caused to open inresponse to a signal from the control unit 16, the current of airflowing through the respective injector conduit 14 invariably opens theassociated flap l7 and produces suction in the upstream portion of feedconduit 3 and in the hopper 2 to effect immediate transfer of a batch orsupply of goods from the hopper into the duct 9.

The turntable 24 of the receiving unit is indexible by a motor 31 andmay comprise one, two or more receptacles 26 for textile goods. In theillustrated embodiment, the turntable 24 is formed with four equidistantreceptacles 26 each of which constitutes a concave recess in the topsurface of the turntable.

As a rule, an apparatus which embodies the features shown in FIGS. 1 and2 comprises a large number of feed conduits 3 and an equal number ofinjectors 12. For example, the apparatus may be employed to transportthe output of a battery of 40 or more textile machines 4 to thereceiving station 7 where the goods can be grouped according to size,

' quality, color and/or other characteristics. The loading units 1 arepreferably arranged in or combinable into groups each of which receivesthe same type of goods. The goods transported from each group of loadingunits 1 are preferably collected in a separate receptacle 26. Thus, andassuming that the apparatus transports the output of 40 textile machines4 and that these machines are subdivided into said four groups wherebyeach group of machines 4 produces stockings of a different size, theloading units 1 can be grouped in the same way as the respective textilemachines 4 and their injectors 12 can be operated successively by thecontrol unit 16 in a way to insure that each of the receptacles 26receives stockings of a certain size for further processing. As a rule,the various groups of injectors 12 are operated in a predeterminedsequence so that the motor 31 can index the turntable 24 prior to aswitch from the delivery of a first size of stockings to the delivery ofa second size of stockings.

The operation of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is as follows:

In the f'ust step, the motors of the blowers 6 and are started so thatthe duct 9 conveys a stream of compressed air in the direction indicatedby arrow. The blower 10 fills the pipe 11 with compressed air and suchair also fills the injector conduits 14 all the way to the respectiveshutoff valves 15. The control unit 16 is programmed so that itsuccessively opens and closes the shutoff valves of a first group ofinjectors, and so forth until the cycle is completed so that the sameprocedure can be started all over again. Each stage of a cycle involvesshort-lasting opening of a shutoff valve 15 in the corresponding groupof injectors 12 so that the outlet 22 of the respective injector conduit14 admits currentof pressive air which opens the adjoining one-way valve23 and effect transfer of goods from the corresponding hopper 2 into theduct 9 which in turn discharges the goods into one of the receptacles26. The length of interval during which each shutoff valve 15 remainsopen is variable and is selected in such a way that the entire batch ofgoods in the corresponding loading unit 1 is invariably transferred intothe duct 9.

The arrangement is preferably such that all of the shutofi valves 15remain closed for a short period of time during each interval when thecontrol unit 16 switches from the operation of a preceding shutoff valve15 to the operation of the nextfollowing shutoff valve. During thechange between two groups of shutoff valves this period of time ispreferably longer than between the successive operations of two shutoffvalves of one group. Such longer delay in operation of the nextfollowinggroup of shutoff valves 15 is desirable to insure that each article ofthe foregoing group which has been introduced into the duct 9 invariablyreaches the corresponding receptacle 26 before the next receptacle isshifted in a receiving position. The periods during which all of thevalves 15 are closed are preferably adjustable and their durationdepends on the speed of the airstream in the duct 9, on the length ofthis duct, etc.

The motor 31 is thereupon caused to index the turntable 24 through orthrough a multiple of 90 so as to place an empty or partially filledreceptacle 26 into registry with the discharge end of the duct 9. Thenew angular position of the turntable 24 is detected by a suitabledetecting, scanning or sensing device which transmits a signal to thecontrol unit 16, so that the latter opens the next group of shutoffvalves 15.

Of course, the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 can be used with equaladvantage to deliver goods of identical quality, size and/or othercharacteristics to a single receptacle which is evacuated periodicallyduring intervals between opening of successive groups of shutoff valves15. In such modified apparatus, the turntable 24 can be replaced by asingle receptacle or by a platform or table which can receive onereceptacle at a time or which serves as a receiving means for goods.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a second apparatus wherein the injectorconduits 14' of the injectors l2 communicate with the corresponding feedconduits 3 downstream of the one-way valves 23. The shutoff valves 15are operated by the control unit 16 (not shown in FIG. 3) in the sameway as described above. The outlet of each conduit 14' makes an acuteangle with the adjoining part of the corresponding feed conduit 3. Thepressure of compressed air which enters the feed conduit 3 in responseto opening of the shutoff valve 15 is sufficient to effect automaticopening of the one-way valve 23 so that the goods can be transferredinto the duct 9. The current of air flowing by way of the injectorconduit 14' and entering the duct 9 creates in the corresponding hopper2 (not shown) suction which causes the goods to advance through the feedconduit 3 and to enter the airstream in the duct 9.

In FIG. 4, the duct 9" receives compressed air by way of a restrictor 29which communicates with the pipe 11". The latter is connected with thepressure side of a blower 10'. The construction of injectors 12 andloading units 1 is the same as described in connection with FIGS. 1and2. The restrictor 29 insures that the pressure of air in the duct 9"is less than that in the pipe 1 It is clear that the apparatus shown inFIGS; l-2, 3 or 4 can be provided with means for automatically closingthe one-way valves ,23 independently of the pressure prevailing in theduct 9 or 9". However, automatic closing of flaps 17 in the valves 23 bycompressed air in the duct 9 or 9" when the corresponding injectors 12or 12' are inoperative, is particularly advantageous because such valvescan be of exceptionally simple design and comprise a minimal number ofparts.

FIG. 5 illustrates a presently preferred embodiment of a one-way valveor intercepting means which is installed in a feed conduit 35 ofrectangular outline. The valve comprises a flap 36 which preferablyconsists of synthetic plastic material and is hingedly connected to anintegral plate 39 by a flexible web 37. The plate 39 is bonded orotherwise secured to the top wall of the conduit 35 and the flap 36normally abuts against a substantially vertical stop surface 40 providedon a .U-shaped seat 41 which is installed in or formed on the conduit35. When the pressure at both sides of the flap 36 is the same, the flappivots by gravity and bears against the stop surface 40. The samesituation exists when the pressure at the right-hand side of the flap 36exceeds the pressure at the lefthand side.

It is clear that theflap 36 may be connected with a weight which tendsto move it to closed position. It is also possible to employ springswhich urge the flaps 36 against the seats 41. All that counts is toprovide valves which close automatically as soon as the respectiveinjectors cease to deliver currents of compressed air.

FIG. 6 shows a portion of a further transporting apparatus wherein thecurrents of air issuing from feed conduits 3' form in the duct 9' astream which transports goods to the receiving station, not shown. Thepipe 33 is connected to the pressure side of a blower 32 and suppliescompressed air to the injector conduits 34 of injectors 30. The hoppersare shown at 2, the one-way valves at 23', and the shutoff valves at Theinjectors 30 are analogous to or identical with the injectors 12 or 12'.The cross-sectional area of the duct 9' is selected in such a way thatthe pressure of the airstream therein remains above atmosphericpressure. When the control unit (not shown) opens the valves 15",currents of air flowing through the injector conduits 34 cause the goodsto enter the feed conduits 3', and such currents also serve to open theone-way valves 23'.

The duct which transports goods from the feed conduits to thereceptacles or receiving means 26 will be provided with a separatesource (6 in FIG. 1) of compressed air or other suitable gas when theduct is rather long whereby such separate source establishes in the ducta stream of air which flows continuously from the separate source towardthe receiving station. Thus, the currents of air discharged by feedconduits 3 in FIGS. 1 and 2 merely serve to effect delivery of goodsfrom the respective loading units 1 into the duct 9 whereupon theairstream in the duct takes over and continues to transport such goodsinto onebf the receptacles 26. As a rule, the pressure of air in theduct is considerably less than the pressure of air which is confined inthe pipe 11, 11" or 33. For example, the pressure of air in the duct maybe in the range of -400 millimeters water column; such pressures werefound to be particularly satisfactory for proper operation of myapparatus.

The shutoff valves in the injector conduits are normally closed and theyopen only in response to signals from the control unit 16. As will bedescribed hereinafter, the shutoff valves can be opened by solenoids;however, it is also possible to employ mechanical opening means,pneumatic opening means and/or a combination of mechanical andfluid-operated means or the same. The pressure of air or other gas whichis entrapped in the pipe 11, 11" or 33 may be in the range of l00-5,000millimeters water column, preferably between 5002,500 millimeters watercolumn. This pressure is lower than in presently known pneumatictransporting systems for textile goods which brings about a number ofimportant advantages. High compression of air can be achieved byresorting to complicated and costly compressors which must be providedwith means for preventing penetration of oil into compressed air.Pressures which are necessary for operation of injectors in mytransporting apparatus can be readily achieved by resorting toconventional radial or axial flow compressors which furnish compressedair that is free of oil or other contaminants. Moreover, and since theapparatus operates with gases whose pressure need not exceed 5,000millimeters water column, it can employ very simple, inexpensive andrugged shutoff and/or one-way valves.

When the duct is rather short, the apparatus can operate properly with asingle source of compressed gas which supplies gas into the duct as wellas to the injectors. As shown in FIG. 4, the pipe 11" can supply gascontinuously into the intake end of the duct 9" whereby the restrictor29 insures that the pressure of the gas stream which transports goodsthrough the duct 9" does not exceed the pressure of gas which serves totransport goods from the feed conduits 3 into the duct 9".Alternatively, and .as described in connection with FIG. 6, the duct 9'can receive gas only when an injector 30 is in the process of deliveringcompressed gas to the corresponding feed conduit 3'.

The apparatus of FIG. 4 or 6 can be equipped with a photoelectric orotherwise constructed detector system which is installed in or on theduct 9' or 9" and serves to monitor the travel of goods through theduct. Such detector can be employed to shut off an injector when thetransfer of a batch of goods from the corresponding loading unit to thereceiving station 7 is completed. The optical detector can also serve asa means for blocking operation of a next-following injector prior tocompletion of transfer of goods which are admitted into the duct inresponse to actuation of a preceding injector. In this way, one insuresthat goods coming from separate loading units cannot mix in the duct andthat the turntable 24 can be indexed before a different type of goods isabout to leave the duct.

FIGS. 70 and 7b illustrate the details of the control unit 16. Thiscontrol unit comprises a source 44 of 24-volt current with terminals 45,a source 46 of 220-volt current with terminals 47, a starter circuit 50,an operating circuit 51, a switching assembly 52 which is controlled bythe operating circuit 51, a group selector circuit 53, a detectorcircuit 54, a groupshifting circuit 55 which controls the switchoverfrom operation of a preceding group to operation of the nextfollowinggroup of injectors, a valve-operating circuit 56 which effects openingand closing of shutoff valves 15, an

' indexing circuit 57, and a rapid-return or resetting circuit 59.

The characters c, d, e, f, g, h, k, m denote relays whose contacts areidentified by similar characters followed by numerals. For example, therelay 0 has contacts c-1 and 0-2.

The starter circuit 50 comprises a manually operated starter switch 60and the aforementioned relay c. The operating circuit 51 comprises twoelectric motors 61, 61', the first of which effects normal (slow-speed)operation of moving parts in the switching assembly 52 and the latter ofwhich effects rapid return movement of moving parts in the assembly 52to starting position.

The switching assembly 52 comprises a set of movable cams which open andclose various switches. Such assemblies are known in the art and,therefore, all details of the assembly 52 form no part of the presentinvention. The switches 66 and 67 perform functions which will beexplained later. The assembly 52 further comprises master switches 62,63, 64, which are connected to a conductor 68 and serve to effectclosing and opening of shutoff valves 15 in a predetermined sequence.These master switches are actuated by cams which are driven by the motor61. In this preferred embodiment a separate master switch is providedfor each loading unit 1. As stated before, the apparatus normallycomprises a rather large number of loading units and the four masterswitches 62-65 of FIGS. 7a'-7b are merely representative of a muchlarger number, for example, 40 or 100. Each master switch is preferablya microswitch.

The group selector circuit 53 comprises a large number ofcircuit-breaking devices 7073, one for each master switch, which can bebridged by diode plugs 74. The devices 70-73 are provided in selectorleads 92. Each circuit breaking device is in series with one of themaster switches 62-65. If a circuitbreaking device is bridged by a plug74, the corresponding master switch can complete the group-shiftingcircuit 55 by way of a conductor 75, and the circuit 55 then carries outa series of functions in connection with a shift from operation of apreceding group to operation of the next-following group of injectors.The detector relay e constitutes the sensing element of the detectorcircuit 54.

The group-shifting circuit 55 comprises a set of relays and switchesincluding the aforementioned relay m which is a time-lag relay and isadjustable, for example, to furnish delays of between and 60 seconds.The contact f-l of the relay f is a wiper which completes a circuit onlywhen it returns to the illustrated starting position. The circuit 55further comprises a limit switch 77 which is actuated for a shortinterval of time by one of four trips 79 on the turntable 24 (FIG. 1)when the latter is caused to change its angular position so as to placea fresh receptacle 26 into registry with the discharge end of the duct9.

The valve-operating circuit 56 comprises a series of solenoids 76, onefor each shutoff valve and each in series with the corresponding masterswitch. The solenoids 76 control the opening and closing of thecorresponding shutoff valves 15. The means for directly effectingclosing and opening of shutoff valves 15 comprises three-way valves 76awhich are controlled by the respective solenoids 76. The valves 76aregulate the flow of compressed air which opens or closes the associatedshutoff valves 15.

The indexing circuit 57 includes the aforementioned relay k which canopen or complete the circuit of the motor 31. This circuit 57 furtherincludes a manually operated switch 69 which is movable between two endpositions. In the illustrated end position, the switch 69 allows forautomatic indexing of the turntable 24. In the other end position of theswitch 69, the turntable 24 is indexible in response to manuallyproduced signals.

The rapid-return or resetting circuit 59 includes a pushbutton 90 whichcan be depressed to effect rapid return movement of moving parts in theswitching assembly 52 to starting position, and a switch 91 which can beclosed for a short interval of time upon completion of a cycle. Suchclosing of switch 91 can be effected by a relay (not shown) which isenergized in automatic response to closing of the last master switch 65of the last group of injectors 12.

The control unit 16 further comprises a system of signal generators,preferably lamps, which serve to furnish visual indications of thecondition of various circuits in the unit 16. Such lamps preferablyindicate energization and/or deenergization of the respective circuitsand their operation will be readily understood with reference to thediagram of FIGS. 70 and 7b.

The operation of the control unit 16 is as follows:

The operator closes the starter switch 60 to energize the relay 0 whichcloses the contact c-2 in the operating circuit 51. The motor 61 isstarted and rotates the cams in the switching assembly 52 at a slowspeed. This causes the master switches 62-65 to close for a short timeinterval one after the other and to effect temporary opening ofcorresponding shutoff valves 15. if the circuit-breaking devices 7073 ofthe group selector circuit 53- are not bridged, the cycle is completedwithout a group change and all of the goods are delivered successivelyinto a single receptacle 26. The circuitbreaking devices are preferablyassembled on a w ll or the like and are identified by numerals or otherindicia to facilitate insertion of plugs 74. Each circuit-breakingdevice may be a suitable socket.

If the output of textile machines 4 is to be delivered to two or morereceptacles 26, the operator inserts a plug 74 into eachcircuit-breaking device (e.g., 73) which is associated with the lastinjector of a desired group of injectors 12.

By selecting the circuit-breaking device or devices which are to receiveplugs 74, the operator makes an election of groups. For example, let itbe assumed that the master switch 63 is the last master switch of theseries in a group. Thus, the operator must insert a plug 74 into thecircuit-breaking device 71 which is associated with the master switch63. When the latter closes, the corresponding shutoff valve 15 isactuated and the master switch 63 also energizes the relay e whichcloses the contact e-l so that the latter energizes the relay f whichmoves the contact f-l to the broken-line position. When the masterswitch 63 opens, the relay f is deenergized and the contact [-1 causesenergization of the time-lag relay m and of the relay g. The relay gopens the circuit of the motor 61 and remains energized by way of itsholding contact g4.

The delay produced by relay m is selected in such a way that the goodscan pass through the duct 9 and enter the adjoining receptacle 26. Whenthe delay is terminated, the relay m closes the contact m1 whichcompletes the circuit of the motor 31 so that the latter places adifferent receptacle 26 into registry with the discharge end of the duct9, i.e., that receptacle which is to receive goods coming from machines4 associated with the injectors 12 which are controlled by the masterswitch 64 (which follows-the master switch 63). The limit switch 77 isactuated by a trip 79 when the turntable 24 assumes its new position andthe limit switch 77 cooperates with the relay )1 to deenergize therelays g and m so that the relay k is also deenergized'and arrests themotor 31. At the same time, the blocking contact 3-2 of the relay 3closes and thus starts the motor 61. Thus, the relay 3 can block theoperation of the switching assembly 52 following the completion ofopening of a group of one-way valves 23. The control switch 64 and thenext-following master switches cause opening of the corresponding groupof shutofi valves 15. When the last master switch of the group startingwith the master switch 64 is energized, the control unit 16 switchesover to delivery of goods from a further group of machines 4 or thejust-described cycle is started all over again if the master switchesenergized during the preceding operation are the master switches of thelast group. The parts 77, g and h constitute a blocking means whichprevents opening of a fresh group of shutoff valves 23 for a giveninterval of time following the opening of a preceding group of shutoffvalves.

When a cycle is completed, the switch 91 is closed and the relay d isenergized. This relay thereupon remains energized by way of its holdingcontact 11-5 and completes the circuit of the motor 61' which rapidlyresets the cams of the switching assembly 52. Shortly before the camsreturn to starting position, the switch 66 opens automatically and thefresh cycle begins with the motor 61 running at a slow speed to move thecams away from starting position. The contact d-4 of the relay d alsocompletes a circuit which insures complete resetting of cams in theassembly 52 even if the switch 60 is released and returns to openposition. The switch 67 is a synchronizer switch which insures that themotor 61 is not started at random but only at certain stages of a cycle.The remaining characteristics of the control unit 16 can be readilyunderstood by referring to the diagram of FIGS. 7a and 7b.

The time-lag or delay means of the control unit 16 can be readilydesigned and adjusted in such a way that a fresh group of injectors 12is actuated while the goods which were I admitted into the duct inresponse to actuation of a preceding group of injectors are still in theprocess of travelling toward the receiving station 7, as long as thegoods which are in the duct invariably reach the receiving station ingood time prior to completed transport of a different type or style ofgoods to the turntable 24 so that the motor 31 will have ample time toindex the turntable in order to place an appropriate receptacle 26 intoregistry with the discharge end of the duct 9 for reception of thediiferent type of goods. As a matter of fact, the intervals betweendeliveries of successive types of goods can be made so short that theduct 9 transports a practically uninterrupted stream of goods and thatthe intervals between deliveries of different types of goods are barelylong enough to insure proper indexing of the turntable 24 whenevernecessary.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a portion of a further apparatus whichisprovided with modified one-way valves and shutoff valves. The loadingunits (only one shown) comprise hoppers 101 at the upper ends of chutes103 the lower ends of which cooperate with one-way valves 105. Eachchute 103 is installed in a feed conduit 102 which is connected to aduct 9" corresponding to the duct 9 of FIG. 1. The chutes 103 resemblehollow cones and taper downwardly from the hoppers 101 toward therespective valves 105. The lower ends of the chutes 103 define seats 104for pivotable flaps 99 of the respective one-way valves 105. The hingeof the valve 105 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9'is denoted by the numeral 106.Each flap 99 is connected to a lever or arm 107 which is pivotable aboutthe axis of the hinge 106 and is articulately coupled to the lower endof a piston rod 108 which can move the flap 99 between the closed andopen positions respectively shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The piston rod 108is rigid with a piston 109 which is reciprocable in a floating cylinder111 forming part of a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly 110. Theupper end wall of the cylinder 111 is connected with a flexible conduit112 and carries a pivot 113 for an arm 114 which is hingedly mounted inan injector conduit 115, as at 119, and is rigid with the flap 117 of ashutoff valve 116 in the injector conduit 115. The latter corresponds tothe conduit 14 of FIG. 2 and is connected to a pipe 1290 whichcorresponds to the pipe 11 of FIG. 1 and receives compressed air from ablower, such as the blower of FIG. 1. The hinges 106, 119 are designedin such a way that they prevent communication between the conduit 102 or115 and the surrounding atmosphere. The injector conduit 115communicates with the feed conduit 102 at a point close to the upper endof thechute 103 and can admit compressed air into an annular compartment120 between the chute 103 and feed conduit 102. When the flap 117 of theshutoff valve 116 is moved to the open position shown in FIG. 9, airrushing into the compartment 120 opens the flap 99 of the valve 105 andsuch air flows downwardly through the feed conduit 102 to create suctionin the chute 103 whereby the goods delivered into the hopper 101 of theloading unit 100 are automatically advanced into the duct 9 and aretransported to the receiving station.

The conduit 112 is connected with the outlet 124 of a threeway valve 125which corresponds to one of the valves 76a shown in FIG. 7b. The valve125 has a second outlet 126 which can connect the outlet 124 with theatmosphere, and an inlet 127 which is connected to a supply conduit 129receiving compressed air from the pipe 129a which corresponds to thepipe 11 of FIG. 1 and supplies compressed air to each injector conduit115. The numeral 130 denotes a solenoid which controls the three-wayvalve 125 and corresponds to one of the solenoids 76 shown in FIG. 7b.

The cylinder 111 is mounted on the arms 107 and 114 so that it can moveup or down with reference to the feed conduit 102. This cylindercomprises an upper chamber 131 which communicates with the conduit 112and is separated from a lower chamber 132 by the piston 109. The lowerchamber 132 is in permanent communication with the atmosphere andaccommodates a helical return spring 133 which tends to move the piston109 to the upper end position shown in FIG. 9. Such upward movement ofthe piston 109 can take place when the chamber 131 is connected with theatmosphere by way of the conduit 112, outlet 124 and outlet 126. Whenthe solenoid 130 causes the valve 125 to admit compressed air from thesupply conduit 129 to the conduit 112, the piston 109 moves rapidlytoward the position shown in FIG. 8 and causes the return spring 133 tostore energy. As the piston 109 moves downwardly, the piston rod 108causes the arm 107 to close the flap 99 of the one-way valve 105 so thatthe lower end of the chute 103 is sealed from the feed conduit 102.Pressure of air in the upper chamber 131 also causes the cylinder 111 tomove upwardly and to thereby pivot the arm 114 about the axis of thehinge 119 whereby the flap 117 of the shutoff valve 116 moves to theclosed position shown in FIG. 8. When the valve 105 is closed, thepiston rod 108 is held by the flap 99 against further downward movementand the cylinder 111 is compelled to move upwardly and to effect closingof the shutoff valve 116. As long as the chamber 131 continues tocommunicate with the supply conduit 129, the valves 105 and 116 remainin closed positions.

When the contents of the loading unit 100 are to be transferred into theduct 9" and thence into a receptacle at the receiving station, thecorresponding master switch (62- 65 in FIGS. 7a-7b) is closed so thatthe solenoid 130 actuates the three-way valve 125 which then connectsthe conduit 112 with the atmosphere by way of the outlet 126.

The pressure of air in the upper cylinder chamber 131 drops and thespring 133 is free to expand so that the piston 109 moves upwardly andthe piston rod 108 entrains the arm 107 which opens the valve 105. Theflap 117 of the shutofi' valve 116 is moved to the fully open positionshown in FIG. 9 before the piston 109 reaches its upper end position sothat the spring 133 then causes the piston 109 and piston rod 108 tomove downwardly and to effect opening of the one-way valve by way of thearm 107. Thus, the valve 116 opens before the valve 105.

An important advantage of the just-described apparatus is the simplicityof its parts and that each shutoff valve and the corresponding one-wayvalve are operated in synchronism. Moreover, the valves 105, 116 canremain closed even if they are subjected to very strong pressure ofcompressed air. The cylinder and piston assembly constitutes a simpleservomotor which operates the valves 105, 116 and receives pressurizedfluid from a source (pipe 129a) which is needed in the apparatus tooperate the injectors, i.e., there is no need to provide a separatesource of compressed fluid for the purpose ofoperating the valves 125.It is further clear that the cylinder and piston assembly 110 of FIGS. 8and 9 can be replaced by other types of servomotors without departingfrom the spirit of my invention. All that is necessary is to provide aservomotor which has two output members one of which can actuate ashutoff valve and the other of which can actuate a one-way valve, or asingle output member which can operate such valves in a desiredsequence.

The important advantages of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 can besummarized as follows:

The servomotor is a simple pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly 110wherein the piston rod 108 constitutes one output member and wherein thecylinder 111 constitutes the other output member. The feed conduit 102surrounds a portion or extension 103 of the hopper 101 and definestherewith an annular compartment which receives compressed air from theinjector conduit 115. The one-way valve 105 is mounted on the feedconduit 102 and serves to seal or to expose the outlet 104 of the chute103. The valves 105, 116 are simple flap valves which closeautomatically in response to connection of the chamber 131 with theatmosphere and in response to simultaneous sealing of cylinder chamber131 from the source 129 of compressed air. Such closing of the valves105, 116 is effected by a simple helical return spring 133 or byanalogous biasing means for the piston 109 and piston rod 108. Finally,the pipe 129a which supplies compressed air to the cylinder 1 10 canserve as a means for supplying compressed air to the injectors.

lclaim:

1. Apparatus for transporting goods, particularly for transportingsensitive textile goods, comprising a plurality of loading units eacharranged to accommodate a supply of goods; a plurality of receivingmeans remote from said loading units; pneumatic duct means; interceptingmeans associated with said feed conduits and operative to respectivelypennit or prevent transfer of goods from the corresponding loading unitsinto said duct means; and control means including selector means foreffecting operation of groups of said intercepting means, shifting meansfor effecting delivery of goods from said duct means into selectedreceiving means, and delay means for delaying the operation of thenextfollowing group of intercepting means for a predetermined intervalfollowing completion of operation of the preceding group, said delaymeans comprising adjustable time-lag relay means.

2. Apparatus for transporting goods, particularly for transportingsensitive textile goods, comprising a plurality of loading units eacharranged to accommodate a supply of goods; a plurality of receivingmeans remote from said loading units; pneumatic duct means; feedconduits connecting said loading units with said duct means;intercepting means associated with said feed conduits and operative torespectively permit or prevent transfer of goods from the correspondingloading units into said duct means; and control means including selectormeans for effecting operation of groups of said intercepting means,shifting means for effecting delivery of goods from said duct means intoselected receiving means, switching means, and operating means for saidswitching means, said stitching means being arranged to bring aboutoperation of said intercepting means in a predetermined sequence andcomprising a plurality of master switches each associated with one ofsaid intercepting means and means for cyclically actuating saidswitches, said selector means further comprising lead means, a pluralityof circuit-breaking means provided in said lead means, each of saidcircuit-breaking means being connected with one of said master switches,and means for bridging selected circuit-breaking means, said controlmeans further comprising detector means connected with said switchingmeans by way of said lead means to detect closing of said masterswitches upon bridging of the corresponding circuit-breaking means, eachof said bridging means comprising a diode plug.

3. Apparatus for transporting goods, particularly for transportingsensitive textile goods, comprising a plurality of loading units eacharranged to accommodate a supply of goods; pneumatic duct means; areceiving station remote from said loading units and arranged to receivegoods from said duct means; feed conduits connecting said loading unitswith said duct means; intercepting means including first valves providedin said feed conduits and movable between open and closed positions torespectively permit or prevent transfer of goods from the correspondingloading units into said duct means; a source of compressed gas; aplurality of injector means each connectable with said source and eachassociated with one of said feed conduits to efiect transfer of goodsfrom the corresponding loading unit into said duct means in response toadmission of compressed gas from said source into such injector means,each of said injector means comprising an injector conduit connectedwith said source and with the respective feed conduit and a second valveprovided in the injector conduit and movable therein between open andclosed positions; control means for effecting operation of said valvesin a desired sequence; and a plurality of servomotor means, one for eachof said first valves, for operating said first valves and thecorresponding second valves in response to signals from said controlmeans.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein currents of air flowingthrough said injector conduits and into said duct means by way of therespective feed conduits are arranged to form in said duct means astream serving to transport goods from the loading units to saidreceiving station.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said source contains gas ata pressure of between 100 and 5,000 millimeters water column.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the gas in said source ismaintained at a pressure of between 500 and 2,500

millimeters water column.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the gas pressure in saidduct means is substantially less than the pressure of gas of saidsource.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein the gas pressure in saidduct means is between 20 and millimeters water column.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein each of said loading unitscomprises a magazine arranged to accommodate a supply of goods andhaving a chute extending into the corresponding feed conduit to definetherewith a substantially annular compartment, each of said injectorconduits having an outlet connected with the respective compartment.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein each of said first valvesis a one-way valve having a member which seals the respective chute fromthe corresponding feed conduit in the closed position of such firstvalve.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein each of said first valvescomprises a flap.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein each of said seryomotormeans corn rises first and second output members which are movable M hreference to each other, said first output members being arranged toactuate the associated first valves and said second output members beingarranged to actuate the corresponding second valves.

13. Apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein one output member of eachservomotor means is arranged to open the corresponding valve before theother output member starts to open the associated valve and said otheroutput member is arranged to close the associated valve before said oneoutput member starts to close the corresponding valve.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein each of said servomotormeans constitutes a fluid-operated cylinder and piston assembly having apiston rod which constitutes one of said output members and a cylinderwhich constitutes the other output member.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein said control meanscomprises means for admitting compressed gas from said source into saidcylinder to thereby effect movement of corresponding first and secondvalves to open positions.

16. Apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein each of said cylinder andpiston assemblies further comprises means for moving said output membersto positions which correspond to one of the two positions of therespective first and second valves.

17. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said lastmentioned meanscomprises resilient means.

18. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said control meanscomprises means for admitting into said cylinders compressed gas tothereby effect movement of the output members to positions whichcorrespond to the other of the two positions of the respective first andsecond valves.

1. Apparatus for transporting goods, particularly for transportingsensitive textile goods, comprising a plurality of loading units eacharranged to accommodate a supply of goods; a plurality of receivingmeans remote from said loading units; pneumatic duct means; interceptingmeans associated with said feed conduits and operative to respectivelypermit or prevent transfer of goods from the corresponding loading unitsinto said duct means; and control means including selector means foreffecting operation of groups of said intercepting means, shifting meansfor effecting delivery of goods from said duct means into selectedreceiving means, and delay means for delaying the operation of thenext-following group of intercepting means for a predetermined intervalfollowing completion of operation of the preceding group, said delaymeans comprising adjustable timelag relay means.
 2. Apparatus fortransporting goods, particularly for transporting sensitive textilegoods, comprising a plurality of loading units each arranged toaccommodate a supply of goods; a plurality of receiving means remotefrom said loading units; pneumatic duct means; feed conduits connectingsaid loading units with said duct means; intercepting means associatedwith said feed conduits and operative to respectively permit or preventtransfer of goods from the corresponding loading units into said ductmeans; and control meAns including selector means for effectingoperation of groups of said intercepting means, shifting means foreffecting delivery of goods from said duct means into selected receivingmeans, switching means, and operating means for said switching means,said stitching means being arranged to bring about operation of saidintercepting means in a predetermined sequence and comprising aplurality of master switches each associated with one of saidintercepting means and means for cyclically actuating said switches,said selector means further comprising lead means, a plurality ofcircuit-breaking means provided in said lead means, each of saidcircuit-breaking means being connected with one of said master switches,and means for bridging selected circuit-breaking means, said controlmeans further comprising detector means connected with said switchingmeans by way of said lead means to detect closing of said masterswitches upon bridging of the corresponding circuit-breaking means, eachof said bridging means comprising a diode plug.
 3. Apparatus fortransporting goods, particularly for transporting sensitive textilegoods, comprising a plurality of loading units each arranged toaccommodate a supply of goods; pneumatic duct means; a receiving stationremote from said loading units and arranged to receive goods from saidduct means; feed conduits connecting said loading units with said ductmeans; intercepting means including first valves provided in said feedconduits and movable between open and closed positions to respectivelypermit or prevent transfer of goods from the corresponding loading unitsinto said duct means; a source of compressed gas; a plurality ofinjector means each connectable with said source and each associatedwith one of said feed conduits to effect transfer of goods from thecorresponding loading unit into said duct means in response to admissionof compressed gas from said source into such injector means, each ofsaid injector means comprising an injector conduit connected with saidsource and with the respective feed conduit and a second valve providedin the injector conduit and movable therein between open and closedpositions; control means for effecting operation of said valves in adesired sequence; and a plurality of servomotor means, one for each ofsaid first valves, for operating said first valves and the correspondingsecond valves in response to signals from said control means. 4.Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein currents of air flowing throughsaid injector conduits and into said duct means by way of the respectivefeed conduits are arranged to form in said duct means a stream servingto transport goods from the loading units to said receiving station. 5.Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said source contains gas at apressure of between 100 and 5,000 millimeters water column.
 6. Apparatusas defined in claim 3, wherein the gas in said source is maintained at apressure of between 500 and 2,500 millimeters water column.
 7. Apparatusas defined in claim 3, wherein the gas pressure in said duct means issubstantially less than the pressure of gas of said source.
 8. Apparatusas defined in claim 7, wherein the gas pressure in said duct means isbetween 20 and 100 millimeters water column.
 9. Apparatus as defined inclaim 3, wherein each of said loading units comprises a magazinearranged to accommodate a supply of goods and having a chute extendinginto the corresponding feed conduit to define therewith a substantiallyannular compartment, each of said injector conduits having an outletconnected with the respective compartment.
 10. Apparatus as defined inclaim 9, wherein each of said first valves is a one-way valve having amember which seals the respective chute from the corresponding feedconduit in the closed position of such first valve.
 11. Apparatus asdefined in claim 3, wherein each of said first valves comprises a flap.12. ApparaTus as defined in claim 3, wherein each of said servomotormeans comprises first and second output members which are movable withreference to each other, said first output members being arranged toactuate the associated first valves and said second output members beingarranged to actuate the corresponding second valves.
 13. Apparatus asdefined in claim 12, wherein one output member of each servomotor meansis arranged to open the corresponding valve before the other outputmember starts to open the associated valve and said other output memberis arranged to close the associated valve before said one output memberstarts to close the corresponding valve.
 14. Apparatus as defined inclaim 12, wherein each of said servomotor means constitutes afluid-operated cylinder and piston assembly having a piston rod whichconstitutes one of said output members and a cylinder which constitutesthe other output member.
 15. Apparatus as defined in claim 14, whereinsaid control means comprises means for admitting compressed gas fromsaid source into said cylinder to thereby effect movement ofcorresponding first and second valves to open positions.
 16. Apparatusas defined in claim 14, wherein each of said cylinder and pistonassemblies further comprises means for moving said output members topositions which correspond to one of the two positions of the respectivefirst and second valves.
 17. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, whereinsaid last-mentioned means comprises resilient means.
 18. Apparatus asdefined in claim 16, wherein said control means comprises means foradmitting into said cylinders compressed gas to thereby effect movementof the output members to positions which correspond to the other of thetwo positions of the respective first and second valves.